sleeping issues

[merri1122]

I was just wondering as I scanned other questions on sleep problems with children what medical advice or opinions I can get hear.
We never had a problem with our children ¨going¨ to bed in their own bed: story, music, prayers, cuddly bed , security  etc. The biggest problem came when they always wanted to COME IN with us in the middle of the night. We were very strict with my first son, hearing from some friends and ¨advisors´ that they should always go back to their own bed. it was so difficult,my instincts were not sure about this.  His room was down the hall from us, and an only child at the time, with  none of us getting  much sleep. He obviously was scared, dreams at times, whatever, so sometimes we just let him come in ( though it was rare) or  me or my husband would lie down with him. The smile of relief and secure contentment on his face reassured us that it is not bad to let your little preschooler come in with you or you with him  for security. Nevertheless, we couldn´t allow it everynight because of getting a good nights sleep. For a couple of years it was on again off again depending on his night. Next along came baby # 2 our daughter and a new home, this time our sons room, then 5, was much nearer to ours, but our daughter slept in our room for the first year in her crib. At that point, we let him come in any dear time he wanted, we just couldn´t turn him away when the rest of the family was all together. I let this go  finally and sometimes he came in and sometimes he didn´t. I  thank God, my instincts were correct, because on his own, when he was about  8 years old he no longer came in our room. He was given the security that mom and dad will NOT turn him away, and now on his own is comfortable in his own bed. THE PROBLEM??? Yes, the little one, my daughter, who is now 6 and now she still continues to come tn, but MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY than my son did, I was relaxed knowing that she too should turn away soon and be comfortable in her own bed, but moreso continually comes in. I AM SO SLEEPY I sometimes DON´T even notice this, that is the problemm, neither my husband. So what we did, after seeing a child´s movie, BEETHOVEN, we told her that mom and dad need to sleep together and sleep well, so you can camp out here on the floor next to me when you come in,and I will be near you. ( I thought she would realize this is uncomfortable and soon give up and go back to her bed) but she doesn´t falter and ALWAYS EVERY NIGHT around 2am, sets up camp on the floor. Well all of this information is for opiinions really, do you think she will give this up? as my son did coming in the bed?' Is it a good idea for the time bieng, or should I do the old INSIST on her own bed now, or WAIT until she too is a bit older, 2nd grade etc???? She still seems so wee, I am feeling unconfident again.
Any opinions???

[margypops]

Yes you are one darn good caring Mom...that makes it more difficult as we are lead by our emotions ,I know exactly how you feel...thing is you have enabled the behavior of both children it is okay if it is working for you and our husband as it is his bed and room also, what does he say?If there is a conflict in any way I would definatly get them sleeping in their own rooms all night, if its okay with Hubby and you dont mind then stay with it.Families sleeping together is okay if all dont mind, it usually resolves its elf when the children reach puberty and want privacy..